1689 1st Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10128

The 5-story, 13-unit Old Law Tenement at 1689 1st Avenue in the Upper East Side, owned by Charlon Grima, has experienced several notable maintenance issues in recent years. The most pressing current concern, as of May 2025, is an active food poisoning complaint currently under investigation by the Department of Health. The building endured significant heat and hot water issues in November 2021, with multiple emergency complaints filed, though these were generally resolved promptly.

More recently, the building has faced rodent activity challenges, with inspections in 2024 and 2025 indicating the need for ongoing baiting treatments. The property has multiple Class A violations related to building management, including two unresolved high-pressure inspection violations from 2018 and 2021, and recurring issues with bedbug reporting requirements between 2020 and 2024. Previous maintenance concerns included sanitary conditions with reports of mold and pests in November 2021, and various infrastructure issues documented in 2018 regarding broken locks and missing safety notices. The building's heat and water system, while having experienced numerous complaints, has generally shown prompt resolution through HPD intervention.

The most recent bedbug inspections from 2022 to 2023 report no infestations, and historical compliance inspections from 2019 to 2022 have generally passed, though the recent rodent activity indicates ongoing challenges with pest management. The property has maintained regular permit filings, including a permit issued in January 2021, and has generally responded to violations within required timeframes. The building's maintenance history shows pattern of prompt response to most tenant complaints, though some systemic issues, particularly regarding heating systems and pest management, have persisted over time. Recent inspections and reports indicate improved conditions in some areas, notably with no recent bedbug infestations reported, though the active food poisoning complaint and rodent management issues suggest continued vigilance is necessary.